Swivel clip

ABSTRACT

A swivel clip for decorating a strap is provided. The swivel clip comprises a pin and an attachment. The pin has a front/exposed face, a rear face and a stud projecting from the rear face. The attachment comprises an attachment body with a hole sized and configured to tightly fit the stud therein. The attachment also comprises first and second arms defining spaces with the attachment body, for receiving the straps therein. The pin and attachment are reversibly attachable to one another, wherein in a connected configuration, the stud is snapped in the hole of the attachment. A method of ornamenting a strap with the swivel clip is also provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to ornamental clips and pins and more specifically relates to swivel clips attachable to clothing, tank and bra straps, shoe laces and the like.

BACKGROUND

Pins and buttons worn on clothing are often provided with a needle that perforates the fabric of the article of clothing to firmly hold it in place. However small the needle may be, repeated perforating can cause damage to the clothes such as rips and tears.

People also started using pins as accessories to decorate their bags, purses and other everyday items. Despite most bags or purses being made from stronger materials than usually used in clothing, the fabric of said bags or purses are still at risk of being damaged by these pins.

Furthermore, pins used on bags or purses are usually used as decorative pins. These pins are provided with a small drawing or a short phrase. In such cases, the pins must be in a certain orientation for the image to be clear, or for the text to be readable. However, most pins can rotate about themselves, ruining the desired effect. In some cases, this rotation of the pin can cause further damage to the item to which it is attached.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, a swivel clip for decorating a strap is provided. The swivel clip comprises a pin and a stud. The pin has a pin body with a front face and a rear face. The pin is provided with a stud that projects from the rear face. The attachment has an attachment body having a back side and a pin facing side. The attachment also includes opposed first and second ends and opposed first and second sides extending between the first and second ends. The attachment body is provided with a hole sized and configured to tightly fit the stud therein. The attachment is also provided with first and second arms. The first arm extends from the first end and along the first side of the attachment body, defining a first space therebetween for receiving a portion of the strap. The second arm extends from the second end, along the second side of the body attachment, defining a second space therebetween for receiving another portion of the strap. The pin and attachment are reversibly attachable to one another, wherein in a connected configuration, the stud is snapped in the hole of the attachment with the rear face of the pin facing the pin facing side of the attachment.

According to one possible embodiment, the first and second arms terminate in first and second arm ends, respectively, each of the first and second arm ends being provided with a protrusion protruding on the pin facing side, to prevent the attachment from turning when attached to the strap. The first and second arms can have a shape that is substantially arcuate. The attachment body may have an elongated shape, and may be slightly rectangular.

According to one possible embodiment, in the connected configuration, the attachment body is spaced away from the rear face of the pin by a first distance, and the protrusion of each of the first and second arm ends is spaced away from the rear face by a second distance smaller than the first distance. That second distance can be 0, and in this case, the protrusion contacts the rear face of the pin.

According to a possible embodiment, the attachment body is provided with one or more grooves that extend(s) between the first and the second ends, to provide flexibility to the attachment. The groove may pass through the hole of the attachment body.

According to one possible embodiment, the attachment comprises first and second shoulders at respective junctions of the first and second arms with the first and second ends, the first and second shoulders comprising first and second reinforcements protruding on the pin facing side. The first and second reinforcements can consist in an added thickness of material on the pin facing side of the attachment.

According to one possible embodiment, the stud can be shaped so as to include a stud base projecting from the rear face of the pin, a stud head; and a stud neck between the stud base and the stud head. The stud neck can be narrower than the stud base and the stud head. In the connected configuration, the stud head may protrude slightly on the back side of the attachment body, and the stud neck may fit in the hole of the attachment. The attachment body can also be provided with a bevel surrounding the hole on the back side, such that in the connected configuration, the stud head is lodged in the bevel.

According to possible embodiments of the swivel clip, the attachment is made of plastic and preferably thermoplastic elastomer. The attachment preferably has a shore D hardness between 50 and 150 and more preferably between 60 and 90. The pin can be made of metal or plastic, or other suitable material. For example, the pin can be made of stainless steel.

According to possible embodiments, the pin body can be circular but other shapes are possible. Preferably, the first and second arms are sized and configured to be hidden by the pin body in the connected configuration.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of ornamenting or decorating a strap is provided. The method can include the steps of providing a swivel clip as defined previously. passing the strap in the first and second spaces of the attachment with the strap passing over the first and second arms on the pin facing side of the attachment, and passing over the attachment body on the back side of the attachment; and connecting the pin to the attachment by snapping the stud of the pin in the hole of the attachment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a swivel clip with the pin and attachment in an unconnected configuration, according to a possible embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the swivel clip shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the swivel clip of FIG. 1 with the pin and attachment engaged, in a connected configuration.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the swivel clip shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the attachment of the swivel clip of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is front perspective view of the attachment shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the back side of the attachment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the pin facing side of the attachment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an attachment of a swivel clip, according to another possible embodiment.

FIG. 10 is plan view of the pin facing side of attachment of the swivel clip, with a strap passed thought it.

FIG. 11 is plan view of the back side of attachment of the swivel clip, with a strap passed thought it.

FIG. 12 is perspective view of the swivel clip, shown attached to a strap.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the swivel clip of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that the elements of the drawings are not necessarily depicted to scale, since emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the elements and structures of the present embodiments. In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, a swivel clip (10) in accordance with a possible embodiment is shown. The swivel clip (10) comprises a pin (100) reversibly attachable to an attachment (200). The swivel clip (10) is particularly adapted and configured to be worn on narrow, usually flat strips or thongs of flexible material, such as straps, for example on bra or tank straps. The pin can also be worn on shoelaces and the like. It is also possible to attach the swivel clip (10) to other fabrics, such as on the rim of a hat, on a blouse or shirt.

The pin (100) of the swivel clip (10) comprises a pin body (102). The pin body (102) has a front face (104) and a rear face (106). In this example, the body of the pin has the shape of a disk, but other shapes are possible, such as squared shapes, or dome shapes. An image, letter, drawing or photo can be provided in the front/exposed face of the pin. The pin body (102) comprises a stud (110) protruding from the rear face (106). For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the stud (110) protrudes from the center of the rear face (106) of the pin (100) but it can be located elsewhere on the rear face of the pin, although centering it is more practical.

In this exemplary embodiment, the stud (110) includes a stud base (112), a stud neck (114) and a stud head (116). The stud base (112) projects from the rear face (106) of the pin (100). The stud neck (114) extends from the stud base (112) and is positioned between the stud base (112) and the stud head (116). The stud neck (114) being narrower than the stud base and the stud head. The stub base (112) has a predetermined height that allows spacing the attachment (200) from the pin (100), allowing to receive the fabric or material onto which the clip is attached. The stud neck (114) is narrower than the base (112), so as to fit into the hole (220) of the attachment. The stud head (116) is slightly larger than the stud neck (114), such that it can still be passed through the hole (220), since the material of the attachment (200) is flexible and slightly deformable. The protruding head (116) helps maintain the pin engaged with the attachment (200). The pin (100) of the swivel clip (10) can be made of metal or plastic. In this particular embodiment, the pin (100) is made of stainless steel. The attachment (200) is preferably made of plastic, and still preferably, the attachment (200) is made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Preferably, the attachment (200) has a shore D hardness between 50 and 150, and preferably between 60 and 90.

The attachment (200) of the swivel clip (10) comprises an attachment body (202), a first arm (234) and a second arm (236). The first arm (234) of the attachment (200) extends from the first end (204) of the attachment body (202) along the first side (214) thereof. As best shown in FIG. 7, this arcuate configuration defines a first space (244) between the first wing (234) and the attachment body (202). In parallel, the second arm (236) extends from the second end (206) of the attachment body (202) along the second side (216) thereof. The arcuate extension of the second arm (236) along the second side (216) defines a second space (246) therebetween. The spaces (244, 246), or slots, are shaped and configured to receive portions the strap onto which the swivel clip (10) will attach, as best shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12. The arcuate shape of the arms (234, 236) helps maintain the strap in place. The attachment body (202) has a first end (204) and a second end (206), provided on the shorter sides of the body (202) The first and second ends (204, 206) are opposed to one another, the attachment body (202) having an elongated shape. Furthermore, the attachment body (202) has a first side (214) and a second side (216), which can also be referred as “longitudinal” sides. The first and second sides (214, 216) are opposed to one another and extend between the first and second ends (204, 206) of the attachment body (202). The attachment body (202) has a back side (208) and a pin facing side (210).

The attachment body (202) is provided with a hole (220). For example, and as illustrated, the hole (220) is located at substantially equal distance from the first and second ends (204, 206) of the attachment body (202). The attachment body (202) is further comprised of a bevel (222). The bevel (222) surrounds the hole (220) on the back side (208). The hole (220) is sized and configured to tightly fit the stud (110) therein.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the attachment body (202) is further provided with a groove (230). The groove (230) extends between the first and second ends (204, 206) of the attachment body (202). For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 7, the groove (230) passes through the hole (220) of the attachment body (202). The groove (230) provides flexibility to the attachment (200), allowing to be slightly deformed, without breaking, when a strap is inserted in the spaces (244, 246) of the attachment (200), or when one wants to disconnect the attachment (200) from the pin (100).

Referring now to FIG. 6, the first and second arms (234, 236) respectively terminate in first and second arm ends (254, 256). The ends (254, 256) extend from their respective arms toward the body (202) of the attachment, helping to maintain the strap in place when the swivel clip is in worn. Each of the first and second arm ends (254, 256) are provided with a protrusion (264, 266). The protrusions (264, 266) extend from the first and second arm ends (254, 256) on the pin facing side (210) of the attachment (200). The first and the second protrusions (264, 266) are configured to prevent the attachment (200) from turning or twisting when attached to the strap (20), and further allow to lock the strap in place when the clip (10) is worn. When the pin is clipped to the attachment, the protrusions (264, 266) can either contact the rear face (106) of the pin, or be slightly spaced away from the rear face, by a distance which is smaller than the distance between the rear face of the pin and the body of the attachment.

In this exemplary embodiment, the attachment (200) has a first shoulder section (274) and a second shoulder section (276). Each of these shoulder sections (274, 276) are located at respective junctions of the first and second arms (234, 236) with the first and second ends (204, 206) of the attachment body (202). As best shown in FIG. 8, the first shoulder section (274) is provided with a first reinforcement (284). Similarly, the second shoulder section (276) is provided with a second reinforcement (286). The first and second reinforcements (284, 286) protrude from the attachment (200) on the pin facing side (210). For example, the first and second reinforcements (284, 286) can consist in an added thickness of material. The reinforcements extend up to about the mid length of the arms, to provide more flexibility to the free ends (254, 256) of the arms.

In an embodiment, the pin body (102) has a circular shape and as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first and second arms (234, 236) are sized and configured to be hidden by the pin body (102). This allows the attachment (200) to be substantially hidden from sight when fastened on a strap (20) and in the connected configuration.

As mentioned hereinabove, the pin (100) and the attachment (200) are reversibly attachable to one another. The pin (100) and the attachment (200) can either be in a connected configuration or an unconnected configuration.

Referring more specifically to FIGS. 3 and 4, the connected configuration is achieved by snapping the stud (110) in the hole (220) of the attachment (200). This is done with the rear face (106) of the pin (100) facing the pin facing side (210) of the attachment (200).

Once the stud (110) is snapped into the hole (220), the stud head (116) protrudes slightly on the back side (208) of the attachment body (202). The stud head (116) is snugly lodged on the bevel (222) surrounding the hole (220) on the back side (208) of the attachment (200) and the stud neck (114) fits in the hole (220).

In the connected configuration, the attachment body (202) is spaced away from the rear face (106) of the pin (100) by a first distance. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 13, the first distance between the attachment body (202) and the rear face (106) is greater than a second distance located between the protrusions (264, 266) of each of the first and second arms ends (254, 256) and the rear face (106) of the pin (100). In this case, the protrusions are in contact with the rear face of the pin, but they can be slightly spaced away.

The unconnected configuration, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, is achieved by removing the stud (110) from the hole (220). Preferably, a user would hold the attachment (200) by the first and second shoulder sections (274, 276) to disconnect the attachment (200) from the pin (100). The reinforcements (284, 286) provided to said shoulder sections (274, 276) reduce the risk that the attachment (200) will break when force is applied to it.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the attachment (200) of the swivel clip (10). In this case, the attachment does not include any reinforcement or protrusion.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, a method for securing the swivel clip (10) to the strap (20) will be described. First the user passes the strap (20) in the first and second spaces (244, 246) of the attachment (200). The strap (20) is preferably passed over the first and second arms (234, 236) on the pin facing side (210) of the attachment (200) with the strap passing over the attachment body (202) on the back side (208) of the attachment (200). The strap hides the hole when inserted on the attachment. Once the attachment (200) is fastened to the strap (20), the pin (100) is connected to the attachment (200) by snapping the stud (110) of the pin (100) in the hole (220) of the attachment (200). As can be appreciated, the length of the arms (234, 236) are sized to receive most standard bra or tank straps (such as between 5 to 12 mm). The protrusions (264, 266) lock the strap in place, preventing it from disengaging from the attachment once the pin (100) is snapped to the attachment (200). In use, the attachment is completely hidden behind the pin, leaving only the front/exposed face of the swivel clip (10) in view.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiment described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiment set forth above is considered to be illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiment set forth in this disclosure, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. 

1. A swivel clip for decorating a strap, the swivel clip comprising: a pin comprising: a pin body having a front face and a rear face; and a stud projecting from the rear face; and an attachment comprising: an attachment body having a back side and a pin facing side, opposed first and second ends and opposed first and second sides extending between the first and second ends, the attachment body being provided with a hole sized and configured to tightly fit the stud therein; and first and second arms, the first arm extending from the first end and along the first side of the attachment body, defining a first space therebetween for receiving a portion of the strap, the second arm extending from the second end, along the second side of the body attachment, defining a second space therebetween for receiving another portion of the strap; the pin and attachment being reversibly attachable to one another, wherein in a connected configuration, the stud is snapped in the hole of the attachment with the rear face of the pin facing the pin facing side of the attachment.
 2. The swivel clip according to claim 1, wherein the first and second arms terminate in first and second arm ends, respectively, each of the first and second arm ends being provided with a protrusion protruding on the pin facing side, to prevent the attachment from turning when attached to the strap.
 3. The swivel clip according to claim 2, wherein in the connected configuration, the attachment body is spaced away from the rear face of the pin by a first distance, and the protrusion of each of the first and second arm ends is spaced away from the rear face by a second distance smaller than the first distance.
 4. The swivel clip according to claim 1, wherein the attachment body comprises a groove extending between the first and the second ends, to provide flexibility to the attachment.
 5. The swivel clip according to claim 4, wherein the groove passes through the hole of the attachment body.
 6. The swivel clip according to claim 1, wherein the attachment comprises first and second shoulders at respective junctions of the first and second arms with the first and second ends, the first and second shoulders comprising first and second reinforcements protruding on the pin facing side.
 7. The swivel clip according to claim 6, wherein the first and second reinforcements consist in an added thickness of material.
 8. The swivel clip according to claim 7, wherein the first and second arms are substantially arcuate.
 9. The swivel clip according claim 1, wherein the attachment body has an elongated shape.
 10. The swivel clip according to claim 1, wherein the stud comprises: a stud base projecting from the rear face of the pin; a stud head; and a stud neck between the stud base and the stud head, the stud neck being narrower than the stud base and the stud head; wherein in the connected configuration, the stud head protrudes slightly on the back side of the attachment body, and the stud neck fitting in the hole of the attachment.
 11. The swivel clip according to claim 10, wherein the attachment body comprises a bevel surrounding the hole on the back side, and wherein in the connected configuration, the stud head is lodged in the bevel.
 12. The swivel clip according to claim 1, wherein the attachment is made of plastic.
 13. The swivel clip according to claim 1, wherein the attachment is made of thermoplastic elastomer.
 14. The swivel clip according to claim 1, wherein the attachment has a shore D hardness between 50 and
 150. 15. The swivel clip according to claim 1, wherein the attachment has a shore D hardness between 60 and
 90. 16. The swivel clip according to claim 1, wherein the pin is made of metal or plastic.
 17. The swivel clip according to claim 1, wherein the pin is made of stainless steel.
 18. The swivel clip according to claim 1, wherein the pin body is circular, and wherein the first and second arms are sized and configured to be hidden by the pin body in the connected configuration.
 19. A method of ornamenting a strap, the method comprising: providing a swivel clip according to claim 1; passing the strap in the first and second spaces of the attachment with the strap passing over the first and second arms on the pin facing side of the attachment, and passing over the attachment body on the back side of the attachment; and connecting the pin to the attachment by snapping the stud of the pin in the hole of the attachment. 